massive eating in NYC: need more suggestions!

I know it only seems like yesterday that I was clawing to get out of NYC. But now I’m totally excited to go back again for vacation… in exactly four weeks and two days *wooooh!* I’ve also just booked tickets for Spider Man Turn Off The Dark (infinitely exciting!) and am now on the look out for more places to gorge myself. Eleven Madison Park has already been suggested. What else, peeps, what else?

I did very well in the Big Apple last month, if I do say so myself. During two weeks of work (which meant mostly boring quick lunches), I managed to get to: KyoChon (ain’t nuthing like Korean fried chicken!), Luke’s Lobster (sweeeeet juicy deliciousness), Kyotofu (chicken & tofu burger that was actually tasty), errrr KFC (double down, bitches!), the amazing Momofuku Ko (god, that shaved foie gras), Ippudo (ramen & to-die-for pork buns. I’m definitely going back), Pat’s King of Steaks (ok so this was in Philly but still) and Lombardi’s, the father of the NY pizza.

You didn’t go to Shake Shack?! That is an impressive level of restraint – I definitely wouldn’t have managed to resist it! Anyway, go and eat a double shack burger with fries. Also John’s pizza is amazing (I liked it more than Lombardi’s), go to Pearl Oyster Bar for the famous lobster roll and the Momofuku Milk Bar for the pork and egg bun. Have a great holiday, I am jealous.

Gemma: I know RIGHT? How good was I? Everyone was like “just go and don’t tell him” haha but I didn’t. I’ve heard John’s is good too, might try and go there this time round. I DID go to Momofuku Milk Bar and got some truffles *yum* going back properly on the upcoming trip!

I know this may seem a little out-of-the-way, but…many of the really exciting things going on in NY are happening in Brooklyn these days! A couple that are only one or two stops into the outer boroughs:

You had me with the cheesecake and the Crabcakes Benedict. I am curious about
that sauce because there is a SCOOP of it. Was that shape from something under
it, or is that a sous secret? I never saw Hollandaise do that, so, was it something
else?
The octopus is a gorgeous presentation, but I got a thing about eating slimy and
chewy. Especially squid, cuz this disgusting creature shoots ink out its ass. It’s sort
of like what I say about certain women…,”I don’t trust anything that bleeds for 5
days a month and doesn’t die”.

Go tohttp://www.chelseamarket.com/ amazing fodo shop good cafes, teh coffee at 9th street espresso is the best in the world. AMy’s bread is very cool, The Lobster place is great to walk around in and grab some sushi, it makes a good place after walking the high line.

The Oyster Bar at Grand Central is usual the first place i eat http://www.oysterbarny.com/ amazing selection of oysters, amazing how different they all are, my fav are the kumamotos sweet and creamy. also they serve you amazing bags of oyster crackers. i have to buy a box of them every time i am there, they think i am crazy!

I am actually very excited that YOU are going to NYC!! I’m so sad for myself, but happy to see you eating through the city. Was there in December 2009 and although did eat quite a fair bit for a short stay, my itinerary was nowhere as prolific as yours. I’m envious and shall check out everything you ate if and when I do visit NYC again! Do have some recommendations of my own, top of the list are Peter Luger for steak, Corner Bistro is quite good for its simple burgers but I also love Shake Shack, and Sushi of Gari for Japanese. Wrote the reviews here, hope they help!

hi Catty – I love reading your blog! I went to EMP in April and was sorely disappointed so am interested to hear about your experience as I seem to be in the minority. The place is gorgeous and all the extras they bombard you with are delish (leave room for the platter of macaroons they come around with for petit fours!) but my pork belly skin wasn’t crispy, which seemed sinful.
Last time I was in NY, I went to Perilla (first Top Chef winner) and thought it was fantastic. Clear winner though was Blue Hill, must go if you have a chance. I’m a big carnivore but the veggies and fish here were some of the best I’ve ever had. Best burger, hands down Spotted Pig and my gfriend raved about their sheep’s milk gnudi. Best snack = pork buns at Momofuku Saam (also available at their Noodle Bar). Shockingly, they taste just as good the next morning if you get takeaway and leave them out accidentally (don’t ask). Fun night out in MPD – Colicchio and Sons b/c does anything sound more divine than “butter-poached oysters”?? For dessert, get the coconut cream doughnuts and be prepared to convulse in giggles when you eat them – it is beyond phallic.
ENJOY!!

Thanks for this great list of recs! I haven’t tried the Momofuku pork bun but I had the ones at Ippudo and they are supposed to be even better! Anyway when I go again, I may try it you know just to compare 😉

Did you ask Greedy Diva? She and TPG seems to go quite often, you might be able to trade some names. One that comes to mind is The Meatball Shop, Lower East Side. http://bit.ly/gbYIEy and Katz Deli. Have a great holiday, look forward to the food pics!